Effects of dissolved polymer on the transport of colloidal particles through a microcapillary

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science 2007-07, Vol.311 (1), p.77-88
• Main Authors: Amnuaypanich, S., El-Aasser, M.S., Daniels, E.S., Silebi, C.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Axial dispersion; Capillary hydrodynamic fractionation; Chemistry; Colloidal state and disperse state; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Normal stress; Particle migration; Physical and chemical studies. Granulometry. Electrokinetic phenomena; Poly(ethylene oxide); Polystyrene latex particle; Separation factor; Surface physical chemistry
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2007.02.068

The effect of water-soluble polymer on the transport of latex particles through a microcapillary was investigated. Capillary hydrodynamic fractionation (CHDF) experiments were performed using polystyrene (PS) particles and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) solutions as the eluant. Generally, the average particle velocities were greater than those corresponding to a polymer-free eluant. A decrease in the sample axial dispersion was also observed using the PEO solutions. In addition, increasing the polymer molecular weight resulted in lower particle residence times in the capillary tube. The enhanced particle transport arises primarily from an increase in the particle diameter resulting from the adsorption of PEO onto the PS surfaces, and, more importantly, from the migration of particles toward the capillary axis due to the normal stress of the PEO solution. Schematic diagram of experimental capillary hydrodynamic fractionation (CHDF) instrumentation used to study the effect of dissolved poly(ethylene oxide) on the transport of latex particles through a microcapillary.